Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a sweet and tangy caramelized onion and apple relish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion, medium, peeled and diced apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium peeled and diced apple, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the onions. Stir and cook for 5 more minutes until the apples soften and the mixture is jammy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the caramelized onion and apple relish atop the chicken breasts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Apple Relish?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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